With a quiet heart, learn the value of life and living
ECCLESIASTES 6:1-12
LIFE is a gift from God and living it well is what we do with that gift. Life is a given while living it is a choice. Choices are derived from convictions and the activation of those convictions is initiated by the Holy Spirit . . . then it evolves into a lifestyle of godliness.
Solomon painted a picture of comparison . . . a contrast between two realities of those who relentlessly pursue the good life, or, as they popularly say, the “American dream”. I am not sure what the equivalent of that is in the Filipino context but we’ll just call it the good life. On the other side of the coin, few clearly see the godly life. Oftentimes, we innocently conclude that the good life is a godly life. Solomon shows us the distinction, and when we know the difference, it is time to listen to the Spirit and stand on a conviction that will lead to making a choice—then it becomes a lifestyle. Please remember that in making a choice, we cannot have both, one must go. When it comes to making spiritual choices neutrality is never an option.
Ecclesiastes chapter 6 sends us on a journey which demands a quiet heart that invites us to look inside and examine how this gift of life is lived. It also offers a gracious chance to repent and enjoy redemption in the remaining years of this short life on earth. With a Quiet Heart, let us learn how to live life in wisdom and with meaning and purpose. Quietly and prayerfully discern the false assumptions of the good life. The false assumptions are as follows: • Ownership of goods is equal to the full enjoyment of it (v. 1-2). • Longevity of existence is the way to protect what you own. • Prosperity is an indisputable evidence of God’s approval and favor. Quietly and thoroughly challenge the value of living the claims of the Godly life.
Avoid spiritualizing . . . go for spiritual quality. Do not be simplistic, be simple. The godly life is defined by its PRIORITY—then this becomes its clear purpose that guides us in all its pursuits. Living the godly life is not the denial of the good life, what is crystal clear is that the good life is not the reason why a godly life is lived. There are some blessings of being intimate with God that the good life cannot give, mysteriously, a life of shattered dreams have drawn broken people to a life so close to God minus the perks of the good life. Pause and with a quiet heart reflect on the following statements: • In living the Godly life, God is first and is the center of everything, not gifts. • God is the benevolent Giver and with our faith focused on God, we become grateful receivers.